Contemporary Reality Research Articles

(u)Mzantsi Classics: Dialogues in Decolonisation from Southern Africa

Using a dialectical framework, this book interrogates the role that classics has played in southern Africa (Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and especially South Africa) from diverse perspectives, from the earliest European colonizers to the Fallist protests of 2015/2016. While (u)Mzantsi Classics is grounded in the historical and contemporary realities of the African south, Canadian readers will find many parallels with the vital issues confronting our own universities today. Both candid and hopeful, this book makes a compelling case for the role that classics can play in helping us to understand and navigate an increasingly polarized world.

EMPIRICAL ASPECTS OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE COOPERATION OF FISCAL INSTITUTIONS ON PROPERTY TAX ADMINISTRATION

The purpose of this research is to develop scientific and pragmatic approaches to optimize the interaction of fiscal institutions in the process of administering property taxes to local budgets in Ukraine, considering contemporary realities and international experience.Results and Conclusions. The article addresses current issues concerning the interaction between government and local authorities in enhancing property tax administration procedures. It substantiates the theoretical determinants of property taxes and highlights their fiscal role within the tax revenue architecture of local budgets in Ukraine and the European Union. An organizational-methodological framework is improved to ensure the administration mechanism of property taxes in Ukraine across key dominants. Using an empirical approach and comparative analysis, the study reveals a positive trend in the share of property tax elements within the structure of local budget revenues in Ukraine. This trend is attributed to fiscal decentralization and cooperative efforts of fiscal institutions in achieving planned property tax revenue targets. First identified the synergistic fiscal effect of further active collaboration among tax authorities, local governments, and taxpayers in the context of forming and updating property registers in Ukraine for taxation purposes based on a value-based approach.Theoretical and methodical approaches to forecasting property tax revenues to local budgets of Ukraine have been further developed, taking into account fiscal policy trends under martial law and using the «forecasting» module of the SPSS statistics package. This approach made it possible to identify the limited fiscal impact of the real estate tax (excluding land), which does not align with global practices and indicates the incomplete fiscal and regulatory function of this tax in Ukraine.Based on the research results, measures are proposed to optimize property tax administration procedures in Ukraine, grounded in principles of cooperation, transparency, compliance, digitalization, and the use of fiscal registers (cadasters).

Great Patriotic War Problematic in the Pages of the “Russia: Society, Politics, History” Journal

The article is a review of the current issue of the journal. The author introduces readers to the theme of the issue, which is dedicated to the Great Patriotic War, a significant topic in national history that requires continued study and reflection in the context of contemporary realities, challenges, and tasks facing the Russian state. The author provides an overview of the research presented in the issue, gives a brief summary of their main findings, and evaluates the significance of the theses for the aforementioned problem. In conclusion, the author raises the question of the value of scientific discourse on the Great Patriotic War and highlights the contribution of the presented research to the understanding and development of science related to practical tasks— preserving the historical memory of the Soviet people’s heroic deeds for future generations and applying the successful experience of the Soviet Union to current geopolitical realities.

Virtual Realism and Black Feminist World-Building in seven methods of killing kylie jenner by Jasmine Lee-Jones

Abstract While theatre-makers have responded to the challenges of staging the Internet in many different ways in the last thirty years, there persists a critical assumption that realism is incapable of representing this aspect of contemporary reality. However, I suggest such a dismissal of realism insists upon a false dichotomy between the “real” and the “virtual” that does not account for the intermeshing of the two in twenty‑first‑century life. I argue that Jasmine Lee‑Jones’s seven methods of killing kylie jenner (Royal Court Theatre, 2019) develops a form of “virtual realism” (Bay‑Cheng) that centres its characters’ subjective experiences as young Black women. While at first, Lee‑Jones’s script and Milli Bhatia’s production maintain “IRL” (In Real Life) and the “Twittersphere” as two distinct worlds with distinct theatrical languages, their eventual convergence suggests the impossibility of separating online activity from life offline. Moreover, the play and the production suggest a powerful analogy between Black feminist activism and theatrical realism as having the potential to imagine a different world, without neglecting critique of the status quo. Ultimately, thinking of seven methods as a realist play, not despite but because of its formal experimentation, productively expands our sense of what realism can do and how it can engage critically with the contemporary world.

The Iranian Post-Islamist Intellectuals and Christian Theology: The Case of Mohammad Mojtahed Shabestari

Abstract Both the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and Āyatollāh Ruhollāh Khomeyni (1902–89)’s conception of Islamic government reflected traces of an opposition to modernism and a discourse of self-return advanced by Iranian thinkers in the 1960s and 1970s. The end of the Iran-Iraq War, the pursuit of economic liberalization policies, the emergence of an urban middle class, and the challenges of theocracy created conditions for a new religious discourse among Iranian post-Islamist intellectuals. Influenced by the historical experiences of the church and Christian theology in the Western world, as well as the need to reconsider religious knowledge, these new Iranian post-Islamist thinkers introduced fresh interpretations of religious and Shariʿa-based government. Drawing on Christian theological approaches, they initiated a dialogue with Shiʿi Islamic texts. Focusing on the thought of Mohammad Mojtahed Shabestari (b. 1936), this paper argues that Iranian post-Islamist scholars, in adapting Islam to contemporary realities, employ Christian theological frameworks to reinterpret Shiʿi jurisprudence.

Thicc Theologies Save Lives

The Christian tradition has long presented the ideal Christian woman as slender, serene, and fertile. In this article, I demonstrate that this is both a historical trope and a contemporary reality. Drawing on my own autoethnographic reflections of my experience in conservative Christian circles, I articulate the problems being emotional, infertile, and fat caused in this context. I turn to the Shulammite woman in the Song of Songs as offering a model for a body-loving revolution that might enable the development of thicc theologies – theologies that delight in abundance and embodiedness and resist patriarchal and colonial dominations – that might just save (spiritual) lives.

Freedom from Interest? Reflections on Aesthetics after the Kantian Jubilee

Usually articles devoted to the work of the maestro are written in anticipation. For the author of this article, on the contrary, the anniversary events and thoughts turned out to be a catalyst for rethinking, in the context of contemporary realities and theories, one well-established in aesthetics ‘Kantian’ position on disinterested pleasure as a specificity of aesthetic feeling and man's relation to the world. The problematic application of this position in Kant's aesthetics is revealed. The article raises questions about the semantic connections of the idea of disinterested pleasure both with Kant's epoch and with modernity. The relevance of the analysis is conditioned by the current situation of a possible significant anthropological loss - the risk of irrevocable loss of the aesthetic emotion under the pressure of the dominance of pragmatic sentiments in modern society. The aim of the article is to discover the potential for countering such risks both in aesthetic theory and in the aesthetic worldview of modern man.

From the literature of the "New Wave" to contemporary English-language fantasy: Zelazny, Martin, Gaiman

The article is dedicated to the study of the evolution of "New Wave" fantasy literature from the 1960s to the 1970s, based on the works of three central figures in contemporary English-language fantasy literature: Roger Zelazny, George Martin, and Neil Gaiman. It specifically discusses the transformation that fantasy underwent over several decades, starting with the movement of so-called "New Wave" authors in the second half of the 20th century, up to the postmodern literature of the early 21st century. The focus is primarily on identifying and characterizing key features of contemporary English-language fantasy, such as intertextuality, the inclusion of mythological symbols in the text, references to psychoanalytic theory, and the blending of various genres. The methodology employed in this study includes comparative, literary, and historical-cultural analysis, as well as the study and generalization of information. The scientific novelty of this research lies in the attempt to trace the roots of contemporary fantasy, the canons of which were shaped by the work of American science fiction writer Roger Zelazny. Analyzing the key works of the discussed authors allowed for the identification not only of common features but also for pointing out the vector of their transformation and reinterpretation in the works of fantasy writers from the late 20th to the early 21st century. The literature of the "New Wave" in the 1960s and 1970s revolutionized fantastic literature by breaking down the boundaries that existed between genres, bringing popular literature closer to high literature, and fostering their mutual enrichment. The poeticization of prose, the use of multilayered allusions, psychoanalytic theories, syncretism, and the blending of various mythological systems with contemporary realities constitute the creative legacy of Zelazny, which is organically embraced by his followers—Martin and Gaiman.

An Analysis of The Concepts Of “Home” And “Family” In the English Language from A Linguocultural Perspective

This article examines the linguocultural units of the English language, specifically the concepts of “home” and “family” as fundamental notions in culture. The study analyzes these units and phrases associated with them, subjecting them to a linguocultural analysis in light of contemporary realities. The research further explores linguistic units connected to the words “home” and “family” and their role in the modern media space, including the Internet.

From Tradition to Modernity: Unraveling the Multifaceted Cultural Narratives and Anthropological Perspectives of Ghanaian Society in a Globalized World

This study examines the intricate cultural narratives and anthropological perspectives of Ghanaian society as it navigates the waters of globalization. Ghana, with its rich tapestry of ethnic groups, languages, and traditions, presents an ideal context to explore the tension between tradition and modernity. This research delves into key anthropological concepts, such as kinship systems, ritual practices, and identity formation, using qualitative methodologies including interviews and participant observation. Findings reveal that while globalization exerts significant influence, many Ghanaians actively engage with their cultural heritage, balancing modernization with traditional values. This study contributes to the broader anthropological discourse on cultural adaptation and preservation, highlighting the role of community resilience in maintaining identity amidst changing socio-economic landscapes. The implications of these findings underscore the need for ongoing research into how Ghanaian society can continue to bridge the gap between its historical roots and contemporary realities.

Цифровое моделирование тематического поля изучения социального капитала поколений в организациях

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective. </strong>Identify key topics presented in contemporary research on the relationship between social capital and generational differences in organizations, utilizing digital processing approaches on a dataset of scientific publications. <br><strong>Background. </strong>The emergence of new technologies, labor migration, and the involvement of representatives of different generations in labor activities have highlighted the process of continuous socialization of individuals in the organizational environment, and consequently, the search for socio-psychological tools for its implementation. Digital transformation has opened up new mechanisms for studying the continuous socialization of individuals of all ages, in which social capital plays an important role, encompassing trust, involvement in social networks and their position in them, as well as the frequency of interactions between people, which are shifting to virtual spaces in contemporary reality. <br><strong>Methodology. </strong>Scoping review (<em>k</em> = 129) using a topic modeling algorithm in the Python programming language.<br><strong>Conclusions. </strong>The scoping review in studying intergenerational social capital in organizations of various ownership forms has identified six topics that reflect the specificity of socialization of certain generational groups engaged in work activities.</p>

Applying National Identity Narratives in Training Inclusive Teachers

The paper examines the challenges of training educators to organize an inclusive educational environment in the context of the existential threat to the Ukrainian nation. It is stated that epistemic injustice, which the authors consider in the aspects of hermeneutical and testimonial injustice caused by the colonial policies of the aggressor state, must be addressed through mechanisms that ensure the resilience of the multi-ethnic Ukrainian nation. It is determined that this national identity comprises a complex of individual and community identities, the formation of which requires a decolonial and inclusive approach. The authors describe a study exploring the understanding of the historical period of the Ukrainian Sich Rifles among future teachers, students with special educational needs, parents, and community members. The study also examines the influence of this historical period on the formation of national identity and statehood in the first half of the 20th century and its connection to contemporary realities. It was found that respondents lack well-structured knowledge and skills in analytically comparing historical periods and the present. A methodology was developed and proposed for preparing educators and fostering inclusive interaction between teachers and students with hearing disorders. This methodology synthesizes elements of national-patriotic education using materials from the historical epoch of the Ukrainian Sich Rifles. The hypothesis was confirmed that the sign language used by deaf and hard-of-hearing Ukrainians contains elements of the calqued Russian language but lacks unique signs to denote many nationally significant linguistic units. The study substantiates the following tasks: equipping future educators and students with a contextual understanding of the historical era of the Ukrainian Sich Rifles, focusing on its educational and cultural dimensions during the liberation movements of the early 20th century; developing methods for analyzing the ideological foundations and cultural practices of that period for modern students and schoolchildren through the awareness and formation of generational continuity and connections; incorporating elements of patriotic education into inclusive practices; fostering a nationally conscious sign-language identity; and informing the international community about more than a century of Ukraine's efforts to assert its nationhood. The article emphasizes that access for young people with hearing disorders to the historical, cultural, and linguistic heritage of the nation is a vital aspect of their inclusion in the creation and defense of the state.

Reframing Qur'anic Perspectives on Interfaith Relations in the Contemporary World: A Thematic Analysis

This study examines the Qur'anic perspectives on interfaith relations in the contemporary world, emphasizing the relevance of its principles in addressing modern pluralistic societies. Islam, as a divinely revealed religion, acknowledges the existence of other faiths while upholding the theological stance that Islam is the only religion approved by Allah. The Qur'an recognizes religious diversity as part of divine will and explicitly rejects coercion in matters of belief, positioning the prophets solely as conveyors of God's message. Employing a thematic interpretation (tafsir maudhui), this study systematically collects and analyzes Qur'anic verses related to interfaith relations. This method enables a structured and comprehensive understanding of key principles such as tolerance, peace, equality, deliberation, and justice. The analysis reveals that the Qur'an promotes peaceful coexistence and ethical engagement with non-Muslims while maintaining doctrinal exclusivity in matters of faith (aqidah). Theoretically, this study enriches discussions on Qur'anic hermeneutics by contextualizing interfaith themes within contemporary realities. Practically, it offers insights for policymakers, religious leaders, and scholars seeking to promote constructive interfaith engagement based on Islamic teachings. Contribution: The findings contribute to contemporary Islamic discourse by demonstrating how Qur'anic principles can serve as a foundational framework for fostering interreligious dialogue and social harmony in an era of increasing global religious diversity.

Verification of the Assumptions of the Polish State Forest Policy in the Context of the New EU Forest Strategy 2030

Despite the lack of legal tools to interfere in the forest policy of the member states, the European Union has initiated the New EU Forest Strategy 2030 (NFS), which emphasizes the protective functions of forests, modifying the interpretation of sustainable forest management. The aim of the study was to compare the State Forest Policy (SFP) in Poland with the assumptions of the New UE Forest Strategy 2030, identifying challenges for Polish forestry. The compliance of both documents was verified, taking into account their objectives, implementation methods, and differences. The analysis showed the coherence of the direction of both policies, while the differences in the methods of achieving the objectives result from divergent interpretations of the concept of sustainable forest management. It is necessary to develop a new definition taking into account the conditions of EU countries and to develop a system of measures enabling the comparison of the degree of implementation of this goal. Previous EU strategies had minimal impact on national legal systems. Diverse concepts of forest management in EU countries make it difficult to implement a common long-term strategy, giving subsequent documents a general character. NFS is a theoretical document presenting a vision of forests from the perspective of EU policy, and SFP serves as a historical document that can be a reference point for modifying assumptions based on contemporary realities. Creating normative acts without taking into account contemporary conditions may be contrary to the direction of development of forestry in Europe. A bottom-up approach, based on consensus of member states, to creating a coherent forest policy at the EU level is more justified.

Back to Common Roots: Exotic Imagination and Cultural Identity in Cinematic Macao

ABSTRACT The portrayal of Macao in films has a profound influence on the audience’s perception of the city and the identity of its local residents. This study examines the marked contrast in how different regional film production teams depict the image of Macao. By analysing the imaginative constructions of Macao in films from overseas, China's mainland, and Hong Kong, and contrasting these with the authentic representations in local Macao films, the study seeks to decode the complexities of Macao's cinematic image and the underlying cultural perspectives and conceptual divergences. Additionally, the study explores the impact of proactive policies by the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government in supporting the film industry. These policies have been instrumental in fostering local film production, encouraging cultural self-expression, and enhancing the city's image. This study underscores the importance of film as a medium in constructing and reshaping Macao's cultural identity, advocating for a balanced portrayal that reflects both the city's heritage and its contemporary reality.

Artificial intelligence innovations in talent recruitment, retention, diversity mapping within South Africa: A meta narrative analysis

This paper uses existing studies to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancements enhance recruitment, retention, and the effective management of a diverse workforce in South Africa. The extensive literature review revealed key themes used to contextualize the study. This study uses a meta-narrative approach to literature to review, critique and express what the literature says about the role of AI in talent recruitment, retention and diversity mapping within South Africa. An unobtrusive research technique, documentary analysis, is used to analyze literature. The findings reveal that South Africa’s Human Resource Management (HRM) landscape, marked by a combination of approaches, provides an opportunity to cultivate alternative methods attuned to contextual conditions in the global South. Consequently, adopting AI in recruiting, retaining, and managing a diverse workforce demands a critical examination of the colonial/apartheid past, integrating contemporary realities to explore the potential infusion of contextually relevant AI innovations in managing South Africa’s workforce.

UNFINISHED PROJECTS: THE TRANSFORMATION OF URBAN LITERARY WRITING PARADIGMS IN CHINA SINCE THE NEW CENTURY

Since the beginning of the new millennium, the rapid development of cities in China has profoundly impacted people's lifestyles, ways of thinking, and emotional experiences. The changing urban experience has expanded the narrative space of urban literature and facilitated the transformation of its paradigms, reflecting the distinctive characteristics of the era in the writings of the new century. This study aims to explore the features and challenges in the development of urban literature by examining four aspects: the interaction between urban and rural areas in the context of urbanization, the depiction of urban life in the internet era, the construction of local urban experiences amid globalization, and futuristic urban visions inspired by technological advancements. The goal of the research is to analyze the adaptation of urban literature to the rapidly changing conditions of urbanization, which significantly affects cultural and social aspects of life. The study reveals new trends and paradigms that reflect the contemporary realities of urban life, exploring how urbanization and globalization have reshaped the perception and expression of urban identity in literature. The research objectives include analyzing changes in literary themes, methods, and styles, studying the impact of socio-cultural factors on the development of literature, and determining the practical significance of these changes for the contemporary literary process. The practical significance lies in providing recommendations for writers and researchers on adapting literary formats to current conditions and readers' needs. The study employs thematic, historical, and literary methods of analysis to identify changes in literary themes and styles, as well as to examine socio-cultural factors influencing development of literature. The main findings demonstrate that modern Chinese urban literature reflects changes in social structure, culture, and perceptions of the urban environment, emphasizing the need for further exploration of local experiences and historical aspects for a deeper understanding of urban processes.

Filsafat Islam dan Tantangan Modernitas

Islamic philosophy continues to face complex challenges of modernity, ranging from epistemological transformations due to the digital era to ontological shifts in understanding contemporary realities. This study explores how Islamic philosophy adapts to various modern issues, such as globalization, science, and secularization, while maintaining its normative essence. The research employs a library study method with a hermeneutic-philosophical approach to analyze the reconstruction of Islamic thought in response to contemporary challenges. The findings indicate that Islamic philosophy remains relevant through an integrative approach between tradition and innovation. The recontextualization of epistemological, ontological, and ethical concepts enables Islamic philosophy to address modern issues with a solution-oriented and forward-looking perspective. Thus, Islamic philosophy not only preserves its intellectual heritage but also contributes to the global discourse on ethics, humanity, and science.

Al-‘Ibrah Bi ‘Umum Al-Lafz La Bi Khusus Al-Sabab: A Contextual and Realistic Analysis of Surah Al-Baqarah 178 from the Perspective of Wahbah Al-Zuhaili

This study examines the exegetical principle of al-‘ibrah bi ‘umum al-lafz la bi khusus al-sabab, which emphasizes understanding Quranic verses based on the generality of their wording rather than the specificity of the circumstances of revelation. This principle is widely accepted by the majority of Islamic scholars and often serves as a foundation for Quranic interpretation. The research focuses on the application of this principle to Surah Al-Baqarah verse 178 from the perspective of Wahbah al-Zuhaili, a contemporary Quranic exegete, through a contextual and realistic analysis approach. The main objective of the study is to explore how Wahbah al-Zuhaili applies this principle in his exegesis, particularly in Tafsir Al-Munir. This research employs a qualitative method with a library research approach, utilizing descriptive and comparative analysis to understand the characteristics of Wahbah al-Zuhaili’s interpretation in comparison to other exegetical perspectives. The findings reveal that Wahbah al-Zuhaili consistently applies the principle of generality of wording to broaden the scope of the verse’s meaning, making it relevant to various social and legal contexts beyond the specific reasons for the revelation of the verse. In his exegesis, he connects the verse to contemporary realities while acknowledging the asbabun nuzul as a historical background. This approach underscores the universality of the Quran in addressing diverse contexts of life.

The American Civil War in the Italian press, 1861–1865

ABSTRACT The American Civil War garnered significant interest in the Italian press. Despite the challenges faced by the nascent Kingdom of Italy and the rise of brigandage in the Mezzogiorno, newspapers across the political spectrum closely followed the conflict between Unionists and Confederates. In addition to documenting the military events, observers and commentators extensively covered the main issues related to the American Civil War, including the merits and drawbacks of the republican-federal system, the abolition of slavery, and the Second French intervention in Mexico. During years of fierce civil violence, the conflict served as a lens to explore issues that transcended the United States and pertained to the institutional, political and social challenges undertaken by nation states undergoing unification or reorganization. Through contrasting ideological perspectives, Italian newspapers reframed the American Civil War in the context of Italy’s contemporary reality, thereby challenging the traditional view of the United States as an ‘exception’ in the nineteenth-century Western world. What emerged was a new, and in many ways less idealized, archetype of the United States, distinct from both the ‘land of freedom’ vision and the ‘land of opportunity’ image that had become prevalent during the Risorgimento.